THE Liberal Democrats, Labour, the Conservatives and an Independent candidate will go head-to-head in Sherburn in Thursday’s Durham County Council elections.

The Lib Dems have held both seats in the division until this week’s elections, with former Durham City parliamentary candidate Carol Woods serving alongside Maureen Wood.

Labour, which counts much of the Sherburn division as its heartland, will be looking to make gains.

Its candidates are Sherburn Hill Community Association chairman David Hall and Stephen Guy, son of the late miners’ leader David.

The Tories are fielding prominent party figure Michael Fishwick and Will Halford, while Andrew Sowerby is standing as an Independent.

Among the issues are: the future of Sherburn leisure centre, formerly run by Durham County Council but now a volunteer-led venture; Hargreaves Surface Mining’s interest in opencasting between Pittington and West Rainton; and local bus services.

The polls will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday (May 2) and the votes will be counted, and the results announced, on Friday afternoon.

For more information, go to durham.gov.uk/elections, visit a council customer access point or call 03000-261-212.